Tim McGraw, 'Southern Voice'

Release date: October 20, 2009
Record label: Curb
Official Web site: http://www.timmcgraw.com/

The buzz: The male half of Nashville’s first couple has been topping the country and pop charts since 1994, making him the genre’s biggest act since Garth Brooks. Every time Tim McGraw releases an album, it’s a major event—to advance “Southern Voice,” Faith Hill’s highly fortunate husband has been invited to appear on everything from Letterman to Leno to Ellen.

The verdict: On the title track to “Southern Voice,” McGraw name-checks a slew of Dixie heroes ranging from Hank Williams to Rosa Parks to Michael Jordan (huh? he was born in Brooklyn). Lyrically, it’s a well-intentioned mess, but a hooky hit nonetheless thanks to McGraw’s ebullient delivery and killer backing unit, which has no problem rocking out a song that also mentions Chuck Berry, Tom Petty and the Allman Brothers Band. The singer (and co-producer) has proven over his 16-year career that he can make even the simplest and most cloying song sound important. And when given a sturdy number like the breakup ballad “Ghost Town Train,” and some neo-traditional production, McGraw creates something truly memorable. It’s also a treat hearing him have fun with the humorous novelty song “It’s a Business Doing Pleasure With You.”

Did you know? “Southern Voice” co-author Tom Douglas also co-wrote McGraw’s 2006 smash, “My Little Girl.”

Add a comment